Air Freight
Air freight, moved when time matters
Peregrine Shipping arranges air freight forwarding for shipments that can’t wait, coordinating booking, documentation, and customs clearance across US air gateways.
Overview
Air freight forwarding for time-critical cargo
Air is usually the fastest mode for time-critical cargo, and it’s the option shippers reach for when a delay costs more than the freight bill. Our air freight forwarding services cover both airport-to-airport and door-to-door moves, so you can choose the level of handling that fits the shipment.
Air cargo comes with its own mechanics: chargeable weight instead of just actual weight, tighter document and security screening windows, and a narrower set of routing options than ocean freight. We manage that process so the shipment reaches the airline on time and in the right condition to move.
From booking through delivery, we track the shipment’s status with the carrier and flag anything that could affect the schedule, whether that’s a documentation gap, a security hold, or a customs question at destination.
Speed-focused routing
We select routings and carriers suited to shipments where transit time is the priority. That can mean a direct flight over a cheaper connection when the schedule calls for it.
Chargeable weight guidance
We calculate chargeable weight up front so you know the cost basis before the shipment books. That avoids a surprise adjustment once the cargo has already been weighed and measured at the warehouse.
Airport-to-airport or door-to-door
Choose airport handling only, or have us coordinate pickup and final delivery on both ends. Either way, the handoff points are clearly defined before the shipment moves.
Customs coordination
We coordinate the customs clearance step so cleared cargo doesn’t sit at the gateway waiting on paperwork. Getting documentation moving before the flight lands saves real time on the ground.
How an air shipment moves
How it works
Step 1
Quote and booking
We review cargo dimensions and weight, calculate chargeable weight, and book space with an airline or consolidator.
Step 2
Documentation and screening
We prepare the air waybill and supporting documents and confirm the shipment meets security screening requirements.
Step 3
Airport handling
Cargo is delivered to the airline’s warehouse, built into a unit load device where applicable, and tendered for the flight.
Step 4
Transit and customs
We track the flight and coordinate customs clearance at destination ahead of arrival.
Step 5
Final delivery
We arrange pickup from the arrival gateway or coordinate door delivery to complete the move.
Reference
Chargeable weight, explained
| Term | What it means | Typical formula |
|---|---|---|
| Actual gross weight | The scale weight of the shipment | Measured directly |
| Volumetric (dimensional) weight | A weight based on the space the shipment occupies | (L x W x H in cm) / 6,000 |
| Chargeable weight | The greater of actual and volumetric weight | Whichever figure is higher |
| Density threshold | The point where volumetric weight overtakes actual weight | ~167 kg per cubic meter |
The 6,000 divisor and 167 kg/m³ threshold are IATA industry standards used across most air cargo pricing; individual carriers can apply variations, so always confirm the basis quoted for your shipment.
FAQs
Air freight questions
Need cargo moved on a tight timeline?
Send our Auburn, Maine team your shipment details and deadline, and we’ll put together an air freight option and quote.